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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Najee Returns with New Album “The Morning After - a Musical Love Journey”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Najee Returns with New Album “The Morning After - a Musical Love Journey” Media Contact: Aalyah Duncan, Alist Events Marketing, LLC E: [email protected] C: (404) 343-5306 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Najee Returns with New Album “The Morning After - A Musical Love Journey” New York, NY (Oct 15, 2013) – On Tuesday, October 22nd, two-time Grammy Award Nominee and international renowned jazz saxophonist, flautist, composer and arranger, Najee, will unveil his 15th studio album called The Morning After – A Musical Love Journey released by Shanachie Entertainment. The highly anticipated album produced by Demonte Posey, features special appearances by R&B vocalist Meli’sa Morgan and jazz bassist Brian Bromberg. Considered a diverse contemporary jazz project by the legendary saxophonist, “The Morning After” will give fans an insight into Najee’s journey and global experiences in music. As one of the top-selling jazz saxophonist of our generation, Najee continues to demonstrate his consistency to connect with various audiences throughout the world. Creating music at this level in his career is still exhilarating, as he states, “I am always evolving. As a musician the love of performing for people whether in-studio or live, is still a gratifying experience.” These experiences is what has catapulted him to craft an album that represents a traditional jazz impression along with encompassing the standard “smooth jazz” feel. The full title, The Morning After - A Musical Love Journey (in short “The Morning After”) showcases an array of compositions including the R&B hit In The Mood To Take It Slow, a sultry track accompanied by vocalist Meli’sa Morgan. The song has a flawless arrangement, which gives Meli’sa the platform to display her lower-octave range and phrasing, complimented by Najee’s regal sound on the tenor saxophone. Another innovative tune on the album Mafalala (named in honor of the township in Maputo, Mozambique), is influenced by Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguica. During Najee’s last visit in the South African region, Chonguica arranged a private tour for him and his band mates to experience Mafalala. Najee reflects on his visit there by stating, “The town is very poor where some homes have no running water or electricity and the living conditions are very difficult according to our Western standards...when you see their faces, their spirit reflects a sense of pride and inner glow. This left a major impression on me, which is why I decided to name this song Mafalala, a tribute to the courageous and strong people who live there.” The leading single Champs Élysées, is an up-tempo composition with a mixture of harmonic phrases which creates a storyline for his admiration for Paris. For the straight-ahead jazz enthusiasts, Najee reveals W 72 and Broadway inspired by childhood years living in the Upper West Side in New York City. “This childhood experience is something that I wanted to capture musically and share with my fans...taking them on a journey to experience my early life,” states Najee. This traditional jazz song flaunts Najee’s abilities to capture the essence of the genre. The song features: Brian Bromberg on acoustic bass, Nick Smith on piano, and Joel Taylor on drums. In addition, the album would be remiss without Najee paying homage to colleague and friend, the late George Duke. Najee wrote Shinjuku (a popular area in Tokyo) in honor of his friend; which tells the story of their previous tours in Asia together. As he mentions, his touring experience with George was “…a moment in life, I will cherish always!” “The Morning After” features musicians: Bill Sharpe on bass, Ray Fuller on guitar, Daniel Powell on drums, Brian Bromberg on acoustic bass and producer Demonte Posey on piano. The album is currently available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.com. For more information about the album and Najee’s upcoming tour dates, please visit: www.najeemusic.com. View the new video for “Champs Élysées” at: http://bit.ly/18S8Ofo About Shanachie Entertainment: One of America’s most successful and long-lived independent labels, Shanachie Entertainment has released projects of legends, hit-makers, musical masters and cult icons in the realms of R & B, jazz, alternative music, reggae, blues, country music, singer-song-writers and more. www.shanachie.com ### .
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